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Ferdinand's Saar Dry Gin
Distiller Score 93
This definitely will not be confused for a London Dry Gin as the heady perfume of botanical leaves just a hint of piney juniper. Instead the melange of spicy ginger, nutty coriander, and ginger combine with a kaleidoscope of fruit flavors including quince, citrus, and of course, the sharp, tangy acidity of the gently sweet riesling wine. The wine adds a delicious, rich, oily texture to the palate which all but obscures the 44% ABV making this a delightful gin to drink on its own. Highly recommended for a gin that takes risks by thinking outside of the box and succeeds heroically.
Reviewed by John Rankin
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Distillery No. 209 Kosher-for-Passover Gin
Distiller Score 86
The sugarcane base creates a spirit with a higher perception of sweetness than most gins including Distillery No. 209’s flagship. In keeping with their house style, juniper elements are played down in favor of highlighting citrus, fresh coriander, and the welcome but uncommon savory flavor of bay leaf and a lingering finish of spicy cinnamon candy. The combined flavors are pleasant, but a bit subtle and would be a good recommendation for fans of New Western gin.
Reviewed by John Rankin
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Nolet's Silver Gin
Distiller Score 95
The juniper pine notes provide the backnote, but Nolet's Silver Gin is full of freshly sliced peach, ripe raspberry, and roses. Those notes are each found individually but the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Perhaps not everyone's cup of tea, but definitely worth a try at least. Cocktail suggestions: Think bubbles (French 75, Champagne Cocktail, Gin Fizz) or punch preparations..not really suited for classic martinis.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Komasa Sakurajima Komikan Gin
Distiller Score 90
The aroma of orange and orange blossom practically reach right out of the glass to honk the nose! Aside from being VERY orangey (although in a pleasantly perfumey way), the juniper does manage to come come through in the back palate. What's interesting is despite its orangeness, it's not terribly sweet at all - more zesty than sweet - with hints of almond, pistachio and mint.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster
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Ki No Bi "Sei" Kyoto Navy Strength Gin
Distiller Score 89
While much thicker and more full-bodied than the original Ki No Bi, the classic yuzu citrus-forward character is ever-present. Pepper and ginger come through on the palate, leading to a long, powerful finish.
Reviewed by George Koutsakis
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G'Vine Nouaison Gin
Distiller Score 91
The profile is fairly fruity on the profile with a fruit salad aroma. Juniper comes in a bit stronger as you taste, but other ingredients shine such as the ginger and peppery cubeb berries along with the herbal vine-flowers. The gin finishes warm, spicy and slightly bittersweet with a lot of complex flavors to discover. The Pegu Club comes to mind for a drink recommendation, but this gin could work in other cocktails where you'd like the spices to pop.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Gracias a Dios Agave Gin 32 Botánicos
Distiller Score 82
The aroma is akin to a spring garden after a morning rain, with a mix of sweet herbs, citrus, and delicate florals. Roasted agave and other vegetal notes lead the palate, along with a sharp evergreen and earthy jasmine green tea flavor profile. Unfortunately the citrus elements are a bit too strong. A classic gin this is not, especially since it's also quite viscous (the texture of Old Tom Gin rather than classic dry). It's still an interesting sipper, though it could stand to be a bit dialed down. Some tonic and ice would definitely help.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster
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Micil Irish Gin
Distiller Score 89
Lovely floral notes, fresh and a tad perfumed. There's some honeysuckle on the nose too, as well as juniper and pomelo. The palate displays classic juniper notes, oranges and cardamom, but also sweet licorice. It becomes slightly vegetal at some point. Wonderful gin with a unique DNA.
Reviewed by Thijs Klaverstijn
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Distillery No. 209 Chardonnay-Barrel Reserve Gin
Distiller Score 89
Fans of lush, creamy Chardonnay will find lots to love in this unique offering from the San Francisco bay. The botanicals are somewhat muted aromatically by the very present aromas toasted vanilla bean and baked apple pie. A hint of juniper and citrus peak through on the rich, full-bodied palate, but the main flavors are of hard butterscotch candy, creme brûlée, and a hint of old-fashioned cinnamon stick candy. A tasty drop on its own, but its sweetness may prove hard to balance in cocktails.
Reviewed by John Rankin
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Distillery No. 209 Sauvignon Blanc Barrel-Reserve Gin
Distiller Score 88
The wine barrel has lent a fairly rich, golden color to this unique gin. Although the aromatics are a bit muted with none of Sauvignon Blanc’s calling card flavor of gooseberry, the palate is dramatically enriched by the barrel’s addition of weight, tropical fruit tones, and a touch of tasty raw vanilla bean. This combination increases the gins perceived sweetness, but this is deftly balanced by a spicy “Red Hots” candy finish. The only failing is that the already light juniper-base gin has what little piney characteristics it had further obscured by the strong barrel influence.
Reviewed by John Rankin
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Blaum Bros. Oak Reserve Gin (Batch 2)
Distiller Score 91
The color of this gin is on the lighter side of the spectrum of barrel-aged gins and has a blonde hue with light, golden highlights. The nose shows bits of the Madeira’s rich, oxidized caramel and baked orange flavors which add a lifted, floral character that reads quite fresh. Beyond all of this, there is still ample bourbon character with toasted flavors of oak and a touch of baked corn. Although overproof, the finish is clean and the Madeira cask’s sweetness helps incorporate the alcohol. Enjoy on its own as a contemplative gin.
Reviewed by John Rankin
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Oxley Classic English Dry Gin
Distiller Score 90
A combination of floral and bright citrus notes greets you on the nose with juniper and other spices lurking in the background. Further trips on the nose bring out a bit of rooty and licorice notes. The use of vanilla and licorice give the gin just enough sweetness to balance the other ingredients. Juniper is solidly present throughout and citrus is there to close out the evening. Thoughts on a cocktail are plentiful but starting out with a Martini isn't a bad idea.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno